* * * * * ALABAMA. The State Conference of Congregational Churches. MRS. G. W. ANDREWS, TALLADEGA. The fourth annual meeting of the Conference opened with a sermon by Rev. Dr. Bascom, for the last winter pastor of the church. He spoke from the words, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” impressing us with the valuable estate of the Christian. Saturday was held our first morning prayer meeting, when “Blest be the tie that binds” was the sentiment of every heart. Thanksgivings for revivals of God’s grace in the churches and in individual hearts arose like holy incense. At other meetings of this kind, numerous and interesting accounts were given of special visitations of the Spirit; at Anniston, the Cove, and Childersburg; at Talladega, Selma, Marion and Montgomery; the last two not resulting in any extensive work of grace. We felt how sweet that there are no desert places in God’s love. The first paper noticed on the programme was “Our Mission Work,” by Rev. G. W. Andrews, Talladega—an inspiration from his experience of nearly nine years in the service, instructive and profitable. After the rest and refreshment at the “Home” of two hours’ “nooning,” we listened to the discussion of the question, “How shall we interest the church of Christ, North and South, in our work?” Some of the replies: By doing it with all our might, thus showing that it interests us; by showing that it is a specific work, placed in the hands of the Christian church by the marked Providence of God; by combining the efforts of women, North and South, for special missionary work; by not only arousing men, but raising money to carry it on to successful completion. Right here came in most appropriately the presentation of “The duty of economy and industry,” so as to increase our giving, by Rev. D. L. Hickok, Mobile. Full of fresh and vigorous thought, the most prominent was that of _saving_ to spend. At the announcement, “Examination of candidates for the ministry,” nine young men came forward. The young men were not only questioned by their leader, Rev. Mr. Andrews, but by many others on the general range of questions in systematic theology, followed by personal Christian experience in their calls to the ministry, until all present were convinced of their thorough preparation for their work. The evening was given to an address by the Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D.: “How are the Freedmen getting on?”—a graphic picture of their condition then (at the surrender) and now.